General News
8 September, 2026
Help for Nepal initiated
THE Nepalese community of Cairns is rallying to support victims of the devastating floods in Nepal, with local organisations raising funds and reaching out to people with connections to affected areas.
North Queensland Nepalese Community president Sarad Sangh said the organisation had been trying to identify people across Cairns and North Queensland with family or friends caught up in the disaster.
He said one woman in Cairns had family members who remained missing and had been unable to make contact with them.
“A few of the members of her family are still missing and they’re trying to get in touch. But she hasn’t had any luck getting in touch,” Mr Sangh said.
“We have reached out to a few other communities around North Queensland. If they know anyone who needs help, they may need our help,” he said.
Mr Sangh said the local Nepalese community was working with other communities, including Indian and Bhutanese community groups, to raise financial support.
“We are trying to help financially, and we have asked even the Indian community, and the Bhutanese community has come together to help,” he said.
He said financial donations were preferred to clothing donations because of the logistical difficulties and expense involved in transporting physical goods to Nepal.
A local GoFundMe campaign has been set up to give Cairns residents another way to contribute to the relief effort.
“It’s more for the Aussies and our local community here who want to help, because they’re trying to reach the local Nepalese community rather than doing it one by one,” Mr Sangh said.
A fundraising dinner was also held on 2 September at Gurkhas Himalayan Nepalese Restaurant on Lake Street, with a $50 buffet and half of the proceeds going towards the relief effort.
Mr Sangh said money collected will be transferred through the North Queensland Nepalese Community account before going to the Nepalese Prime Minister’s relief fund.
The North Queensland Nepalese community will continue working with other community groups and businesses to raise support for people affected by the disaster.
People wishing to support the relief effort can donate to the Cairns Stands with Nepal: Flood Relief Appeal via GoFundMe at: www.cnslocal.s.gy/KCvdpj
